Imtiaz Ali Comes Out in Support of AR Rahman Following ‘Communal Comment’ Row

Director Imtiaz Ali has come out in defense of Academy Award–winning music composer AR Rahman following the controversy sparked by the latter’s recent remarks about the Hindi film industry.

In an interview, Ali dismissed allegations that Bollywood functions with any form of communal prejudice. He said he has never experienced or observed such bias during his long career, firmly rejecting the idea that discrimination based on community exists within the industry.

Ali also suggested that Rahman’s comments may have been misunderstood or taken out of context. Stressing the composer’s reputation, he described Rahman as one of the most respected and widely admired figures in Indian cinema. According to Ali, the portrayal of Rahman’s statements does not align with the professional environment he has personally witnessed, adding that he has never encountered communal tension on film sets.

The debate gained momentum after Rahman spoke about evolving power structures in Bollywood, claiming that his workload had declined due to certain groups allegedly spreading false narratives. His remarks triggered divided reactions, with members of the film fraternity expressing both support and criticism.

Following the backlash, Rahman released a video clarification in which he sought to calm the situation. He emphasized that his comments were not intended to hurt anyone or provoke controversy.

The composer also reiterated his deep affection for India, explaining that his creative work has always aimed to respect the nation’s history, reflect its present, and inspire its future.